ORIGIN

Pre-Barris: The First 1964 Batmobile

This 1964 custom Batmobile was used to promote Batman & Robin Ice Cream and fruit drink products before the TV show was released, and is likely the first car ever to be called the Batmobile. Following the silly price paid for the first TV car in Arizona, it is no surprise to see cars like this suddenly on offer in its wake. Find it here on eBay in Ocala, Florida with a $20k opening bid. Special thanks to BaT reader Fingers for this submission!

The photo above is said to be from 1964, with the builder’s wife at left. The seller claims that this car was used in 1964 and 1965, and the TV show didn’t appear until 1966. Does this matter? Probably not, as this car doesn’t look anywhere near as cool as the Barris creation, but it is still an interesting footnote. The car was built in New Hampshire, and the seller has interviewed the builder extensively, who is still alive.

All-Star Dairies was the user of the vehicle, and we didn’t even know that these products existed. Do any of you readers remember these products on the shelves in the 60s?

The car is based on an Oldsmobile chassis and is currently a rolling project. The doors slide into the fiberglass body like a Kaiser Darrin, and power comes from an 1957-ish V8.

This car doesn’t seem all that impressive unrestored, but if it was restored it would be notable as a period custom. The Batman connection is a fun story to tell, but the best part of this one would be the looks on bystanders’ faces as you cruised past.